Galway and Mayo under the floodlights in Castlebar, is one of a number of attractive matches this weekend, while Kerry look to be competitive despite missing two thirds of their All-Ireland final starting line up.
Monaghan v Armagh, Castleblayney @ 6.30pm, Saturday 28th January
An all-Ulster affair get’s the top-flight of the National League off to a flying start as Monaghan take on Armagh. The Farney county avoided relegation to the second division by a single point last year and will be hoping for a more positive campaign this time round. Armagh looked to challenge for the top spot last season but fell a place short of making the final.
These sides met in the third round of last year’s league and played out a 1-7 to 0-10 draw at the Athletic Grounds. Armagh felt hard done by on the day as they dominated for large periods and had a Rian O’Neill penalty denied though it looked to have crossed the line. Jack McCarron leveled the game for the visitors in injury time and it ended even. Monaghan will look to go one better today under the new management of Vinny Corey.
Mayo v Galway, MacHale Park @ 7.30pm, Saturday 28th January
Mayo host Galway at MacHale Park in what is sure to be a fiery affair between these neighboring counties. Kevin McStay will look to see his side past their arch-rivals in his first league game in charge, though he will be without the services of recently retired Lee Keegan. Padraig Joyce is set to give some of Galway’s best young talent starts today as senior players find themselves absent due to club commitments.
Mayo lost out on the title to Kerry at the last hurdle last season while the newly promoted Tribesmen similarly lost out on the second division title after they were defeated by Roscommon at Croke Park. The Maroons recently lost out to the Green and Red in the FBD League and will be out for revenge despite an under-strength squad.
Roscommon v Tyrone, Dr Hyde Park @ 1.30pm, Sunday 29th January
Roscommon are another side that have begun the season under new management, with Davy Burke leading the county into 2023. Despite home advantage the Rossies will face a tough opponent in the shape of Tyrone. The Red Hands endured a difficult year in 2022 and will be determined to get back on track and challenge the best sides this year.
Joint managers Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher will be expected to start the impressive Darragh Canavan to trouble the Rossies, who could line out with some new faces as Burke looks to unearth some hidden gems ahead of the Championship. This winner of this encounter could likely be the side that shows the most steel in what could be poor conditions at Dr Hyde Park.
Donegal v Kerry, Ballybofey @ 2pm, Sunday 29th January
All-Ireland Champions Kerry make the long trip to Ballbofey for Sunday afternoon in what could be another tough encounter. These sides have so often begun their league campaigns facing each other in recent years and the fixtures have often been lively and another could be expected tomorrow whatever the weather.
Paddy Carr will be looking to renew Donegal this season after a number of disappointing years and a win over Jack O’Connor’s All-Ireland holders would certainly instil his men with optimism. Skipper Paddy McBrearty will be expected to lead the charge for the home team against a Kingdom side that will be without many of its senior players. How deep Kerry’s strength in depth lies could become evident over this league campaign.
